You scan the calendar. Today is the day. You’re scheduled for lunch with that hotshot lawyer down the street.

This is the lunch you’re excited about. This lawyer has handled some amazing cases, appeared in some impressive forums, and walked away with outstanding results.

You’re looking forward to getting to know this person from a business and professional standpoint.

All that stands between you and your lunch is about four hours. All systems are go.

But there’s one more thing you can and should do. This is a critical step.

This morning—at about 9 AM—go ahead and send a confirmation e-mail. If you have a tool that automatically generates text for you (like ActiveWords or TextExpander), this is the time to use it.

Say something like:

Jane—just a quick note to confirm our lunch today.

We’re meeting at noon at Panera on Main Street. I’ll see you there at noon.

Lee

P.S. My cell is 919–555–5555.

That’s it. Short, simple, and quick to shoot off via e-mail.

Go ahead and send the e-mail. That way, when it’s 12:07 and you’re sitting, waiting, and wondering whether you’re in the wrong restaurant, you’ll know that Jane will arrive soon and you’re in the right place. Jane’s sitting in traffic rereading the e-mail as you wait. She might even shoot you a text telling you she’s on her way.

Send the reminder.